Washington, D.C.  — Following a House Democratic vote to select the ranking member for the influential House Oversight and Accountability Committee, where Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was defeated by Rep. Gerry Connolly, Future Coalition Executive Director Corryn G. Freeman released the following statement:

“Today’s vote represents a troubling failure to embrace generational leadership at a time when young people are demanding a seat at the table. House Democrats passed over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—a bold, dynamic leader who speaks to the hopes, frustrations, and priorities of young voters—in favor of the same old establishment playbook. AOC’s ability to cut through the noise, hold power accountable, and call out Trump’s lies is exactly what is needed to fight the far-right authoritarian agenda taking shape.

At a time when young voters are increasingly disillusioned with the political process, decisions like these send a clear and harmful message: that their voices, their leadership, and their values are not a priority. This is why young people are increasingly skeptical of politics.

Gerry Connolly may have the support of party veterans, but it is long past time for leadership to reflect the future of this country, not just its past. Young people are not content with hearing that they need to wait their turn—especially as we see young leaders being skipped over time and again.  We are here, we are organizing, and we are leading movements across the country and it is time that leadership from both parties do better.”

To request an interview with Corryn Freeman, please contact media@futurecoalition.org.